Twitter tests out labels for conversation threads

Twitter is testing out a new way for its users to make sense of the threads. The social network has added labels—which include author, mention, and follow. This is said to make it easier to prevent spam as well as adds some context and clarity to a jumbled thread. Some users claim these are distracting and unnecessary, but Twitter seems adamant to try out new things and find ways to make it easier to track conversations on its service. What do you think? Do you find this useful?

We want it to be easy to follow and join conversations on Twitter. We’re testing out labels on replies: author, mentioned, and following. If you see them, let us know what you think! pic.twitter.com/L228sMbh75

— Twitter (@Twitter) April 4, 2019

Source: Engadget

Twitter tries out conversation ‘subscriptions’

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Sometimes you want to follow a Twitter thread but don’t exactly want to reply or like a tweet. It seems the social network has a solution for that. Twitter is testing out a “subscribe to conversation” option. Twitter user and software engineer Jane Manchun Wong uncovered the prototype version of this feature in the Android app. In response to her tweet, Twitter said it’s working to make the platform more conversational.

The feature adds a button to the top right corner of the threads. If you click on it, you’ll be notified of additional tweets when they come in. It helps keep you in the loop while adding a bit of anonymity to the service. It’s just one of the many new features the social network is trying out to keep its users engaged. Earlier this year, Twitter’s Director of Product Management Sara Haider said the company is working on “some pretty big changes to the way conversations look and feel on Twitter.” So, keep expecting the service to evolve and change in the coming months.

Source: Engadget

Twitter tests ‘reply moderation’ feature for threads

Security researcher Jane Manchun Wong discovered a yet-to-be-launched feature on Twitter that some are referring to as a “double-edged sword.” The social network is testing out a “replies moderation” tool, which lets you hide replies under your tweets. At the same time, it provides the option to show the hidden replies to other users. One Twitter user who replied to Wong said this move could spread disinformation while creating a bias. Wong replied in Twitter’s defense that in cases when people in power do hide tweets, it would be another way for people to “call them out.” But as another user points out, “user lazyness” might prevent people from seeing these hidden replies.

As The Next Web points out, this does seem like users are being given the responsibility to moderate their own content instead of Twitter controlling what happens on its platform. The social network is under a lot of pressure to clean up its service, and if used properly, hiding unsavory content might help create a safer environment for its users. But as mentioned, it could backfire and spread misinformation and create a bias.

Twitter finally brings reverse-chronological feed back to Android

For Twitter users on Android who have been waiting for this, your wait is finally over. Twitter has finally brought back the option to have a traditional reverse-chronological timeline on the Android app. Like iOS users, you can now switch between either seeing the algorithm-based timeline, which shows you top tweets and latest tweets; or switch to the traditional Twitter look, where you seeing things as they’ve been posted. Just tap on the sparkle icon at the top right corner of your updated app to toggle between your options.